Architectural Digest has published its list of the top 13 most beautiful yet underrated cities in the world. A Hungarian town took the first place as the world’s most astonishing underrated city. This special town has unique architecture and was named the ‘Hungarian Rome’. Nowadays, many visit the town to explore its castle, the basilica, and nearby baths and taste its famous wine.
Beautiful underrated cities in the world
As Lelépő writes, your travel experiences shape how you perceive some of the world’s most underrated cities, often overlooked but rich in beauty and history. Architectural Digest highlights such hidden gems, including Eger in Hungary. These lesser-known destinations span the globe, from a once royal-favoured town in Germany to an Algerian settlement built around a sacred cave. The list also features a tranquil Spanish village popular with celebrities and a small town in Oregon known for its vibrant scientific community. These underrated cities deserve far more recognition for their unique charm and cultural significance.
Eger in Hungary topped Germany’s Goslar, Mallorca’s Deia, and China’s Lijiang in a recent Architectural Digest ranking of underrated cities in the world. The list also features hidden gems such as Procida in Italy, Schiedam in the Netherlands, Symi in Greece, and Ghardaia in Algeria. Other notable mentions include Nagano in Japan, Ashland in Oregon, Orvieto in Italy, Cajamarca in Peru, and Swakopmund in Namibia. These underrated cities showcase unique cultures, landscapes, and histories that are often overlooked by travellers.
The ‘Hungarian Rome’
Eger, a picturesque historic town in northern Hungary, has topped the list of the world’s most beautiful yet underrated cities. The town of Eger is known for its medieval castle and impressive Baroque architecture. Due to its abundance of churches in the 18th century, Eger was once named the ‘Hungarian Rome’. Beneath the city lies over 100 kilometres of tunnels, originally used during the Turkish wars and now repurposed as wine cellars. This historic and architectural gem is a must-visit for travellers exploring underrated cities in the world.
Eger’s history stretches back over a thousand years, with the city playing a pivotal role in the defence of Hungary against the Ottoman Empire. Eger is most famous for its heroic resistance during the 1552 siege, where a small Hungarian force defended Eger Castle against a vastly larger Turkish army. Today, visitors are drawn to its well-preserved castle, the grand Eger Basilica, and its thermal baths. Additionally, Eger is celebrated for its wine, particularly the robust red blend known as Egri Bikavér, or “Bull’s Blood.” This legacy, paired with the city’s charming ambience, makes Eger a cherished destination in Hungary.
There’s no stopping the Wizz Air train – or more precisely, the Wizz Air plane. After the low-cost airline’s shares rose nicely on the London Stock Exchange, the Hungarian-owned company announced plans to launch in Pakistan as well as India within the next 6 to 12 months. CEO József Váradi stated that the airline aims to break into these South Asian markets, as well as further solidify its presence in Saudi Arabia. These countries are considered popular destinations for travellers from the United Arab Emirates, where Wizz Air already operates through a joint venture. Furthermore, Wizz recently announced its first trip, on which it will use its new narrow-body, long-range Airbus aircraft. The difference compared to most traditional airlines will be that three-course meals and reclining seats will not be available on Wizz flights.
Beginning in March next year, Wizz Air will introduce Airbus’ new narrow-body, long-range aircraft on the route between London and Jeddah, which lasts close to 7 hours, as we wrote HERE. However, the airline will not offer the typical luxuries found on long-haul flights, such as reclining seats, entertainment screens, or in-flight meals. As Váradi put it, passengers flying the overnight route will need to entertain themselves, Portfolio writes. This cost-cutting approach also extends to every other service, from water to carry-on baggage, all of which will come with a fee.
Passengers on these flights will also face some challenges when it comes to facilities. Nearly 240 passengers will share just three onboard toilets, with everyone having to navigate through a single narrow aisle to reach them. Despite the relatively low price of GBP 134.99 for a one-way ticket, the aircraft’s setup on the new A321XLR will be identical to that of Wizz Air’s other short-haul planes in the A320 family.
Wizz Air “lets passengers decide what they want to pay for”
József Váradi. Photo: Wizz Air
The new A321XLR aircraft, designed for longer routes, will feature the same basic cabin setup as Wizz Air’s short-haul planes. Passengers will be able to bring their own amenities, such as blankets, and purchase additional space, food, and beverages, but at a price. Váradi defended this model by emphasising that Wizz Air’s low-cost flights democratise air travel by letting passengers decide which services they want to pay for, contrasting this with traditional airlines that bundle services into higher ticket prices.
Wizz Air is optimistic about future growth, anticipating a 15-20% increase in passenger numbers over the next year, largely due to the launch of new routes in the Middle East, Portfolio writes in another article. The airline, which transported a record 62 million passengers last financial year, recently announced new flights between London Gatwick and Jeddah, as well as between Milan and Abu Dhabi, slated to begin in March 2025. These expansions, however, depend on regulatory approvals and solutions to ongoing capacity limitations caused by issues with Pratt & Whitney engines. These complications contributed to a 44% drop in the airline’s operating profit in the first quarter of this year.
CEO positive about Wizz’s potential
Despite these setbacks, Váradi remains confident in Wizz Air’s potential. He believes that external factors like geopolitics and engine troubles have disproportionately impacted the company’s stock price, but that the airline’s underlying performance remains strong. Additionally, while some competitors have experienced a sharp decline in ticket prices over the summer, Wizz Air’s pricing has stayed relatively stable.
Looking ahead, Wizz Air is focused on expanding its operations in the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia, which it views as a key inbound market. Váradi also expects that the Abu Dhabi base will represent a growing share of the airline’s capacity in the future, offering further opportunities for growth in the region.
Terézváros, Budapest’s 6th district, banned Airbnb in a referendum held in the first two weeks of September. Alexandra Szentkirályi, the head of Orbán’s Fidesz in Budapest, said there should be a Budapest or even national-level solution concerning short-term rentals, and they should follow the example of the 6th district. Experts believe that banning or limiting short-term rentals would harm tourism. Will downtown Budapest mayors restrict or ban Airbnb following the example of the 6th district?
According to 24.hu, Momentum Mayor Tamás Soproniwas surprised to hear that Szentkirályi suggests a similar solution in Budapest or even in Hungary, like in Terézváros. Only 20.5% of the citizens participated in the local referendum, and the triumph of the ban supporters was thin: only about 54% voted for limiting the number of short-term rental days in Terézváros in 0. Concerning the numbers, the difference between the Airbnb supporters and those rejecting it was only around 450. As a result, Terézváros will ban short-term rentals on 1 January 2026. We detailed the referendum in THISarticle.
Budapest’s Terézváros: no short-term rentals from 2026. Photo: FB/Soproni
Will Airbnb ban spread in Budapest?
Mayor Soproni said he resides in short-term rentals abroad but voted for the ban in Terézváros. He believes it will help with the housing crisis, hitting typically the downtown districts of Budapest. Index.hu asked Mr Soproni about a favourable national solution. The mayor said he would have supported the Airbnb/owner scheme because short-term rentals increase rental and property prices.
Gergely Hanti, the editor of bnbinfo.hu, slammed Soproni for not setting a validity threshold and said a total ban in Budapest would harm Hungary’s developing tourism sector. That is because International Research shows tourists residing in short-term rentals spend more in the catering and retail units. Furthermore, most Airbnb tourists would not come to Budapest. Instead, they would choose Prague or Cracow.
Airbnbs are more sophisticated than long-term rentals. Illustration. Source: Pixabay
Following the Terézváros referendum, the main question is the other mayors’ thoughts and plans on the issue. Krisztina Baranyi, the mayor of Ferencváros (9th district), wrote that she did not find a total ban a good solution.
Thousands of Budapest short-term rentals will be out of the market in 2026
Péter Niedermüller, the mayor of the 7th district, hosting Budapest’s famous party districts with its popular ruin pubs, agreed with Baranyi that a general ban was not a favourable solution to the problem. Despite hosting the highest number of Airbnbs in Budapest, they are not considering a referendum. Niedermüller said they would like to keep the power of decision in the hands of the local governments instead of the Orbán cabinet, a solution Szentkirályi talked about. In Budapest’s 7th district, more than 4,400 short-term rentals operate currently. In the 6th district, that number is at 2,700.
András Pikó, the mayor of the 8th district, has not answered the question yet. Péter Szentgyörgyvölgyi, the Fidesz mayor of the 5th district, said they introduced the first regulation regarding the issue in 2020. Mr Szentgyörgyvölgyi said the locals’ feedback is entirely positive. The number of short-term rentals in the 5th district is 1,800.
Tourism Consulting Body meets, talks about new Airbnb regulation
The Tourism Consulting Body, a group of industry insiders recently established to advise the government on tourism policy, met on Wednesday, the National Economy Ministry said in a statement.
Organisations such as the Hungarian Hotel and Restaurant Association, the Balaton Development Council and the Hungarian Spa Association discussed economic trends and issues affecting the sector at the meeting. Among those issues was the result of a referendum showing support for a ban on homestays recently held in one of the capital’s central districts.
National Economy Minister Marton Nagy said the issue was a matter of housing, not tourism, and pointed to a shortage of close to 26,000 homes on Hungary’s residential property market. He said Airbnb-like homestays had reduced the number of long-term rentals and driven up rents as well as property prices. He added that families’ housing needs were the priority for the government and regulations would be drafted on that basis. He flagged regulations on short-term rentals that were “stricter than any till now”. The government is waiting for a proposal by Alexandra Szentkirályi, who heads the Budapest chapter of governing Fidesz, on the matter, he added.
Nagy noted that tourism accounted for over 10 pc of Hungary’s GDP and provided work for close to 400,000 people. The government aims to boost the performance of the sector further with developments at Liszt Ferenc International and support for catering establishments at destinations such as Lake Balaton that would extend the tourism season, he added.
Read also:
How would an Airbnb ban affect Budapest’s rental market? – read the answer HERE
A Scandinavian airline, SAS, is to expand its network in 2025: they announced 15 new lines, including a Budapest-Copenhagen flight.
New flight from Budapest to Copenhagen
According to AIRportal.hu, the new flights will carry passengers between 3 April and 24 October 2025 between the Danish and Hungarian capitals. In the beginning, the planes will fly three times a week. From 5 September, that number will be increased to four. The flight days will be Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Sunday.
Unfortunately, between 24 June and 6 August, there will be only one flight a week. What’s more, between 7 and 20 August, the flights will not commute between Budapest and Copenhagen. The airline will use Airbus A320neo planes on the route.
SASplans to expand its Copenhagen Network in 2025 since it regards the Danish capital as its hub. Therefore, it announced 15 European and intercontinental flights from the Copenhagen Airport in Kastrup.
You may reach Seattle, Cracow, Madrid, Lyon, Valencia, Malta, Bucharest, Milan-Linate, Sevilla, Turku, Billund, Kristiansand, Harstad/Narvik and Bodø from the Danish capital. Furthermore, they will increase the frequency of 15 lines. SAS exitedU.S. Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings in August, and its CEO said then that the company would enter a “new era” with new owners and a stronger balance sheet. Before, the Sweden-based airline restructured its USD 2 billion debt.
SAS joined the Sky Team alliance in September, and the Air France-KLM Group gained a 19.9% share in the company as part of a consortium of Castlelake, Lind Invest and the Danish state.
Awesome Wizz Air touchdown in Madeira with VIDEO
The pilot of Wizz Air’s Rome-Funchal flights was outstandingly brave at one of the world’s most dangerous airports. The aircraft shifted to the right and the left multiple times before it could touch the ground on the island of Madeira.
Here is the full video:
Read also:
End of danger? Train service between Budapest and Vienna restarted – read more HERE
Sad sight: Dozens of Wizz Air aircraft grounded at former Polish military base – VIDEO and more in THISarticle
Yesterday, the historic flood caused by Cyclone Boris from Austria arrived in Hungary, and the water level is rising quickly along the Danube. In Budapest, the river already deluged the lower Danube embankments, while in the Northern part of Szentendre Island, it enclosed a charming little town, Kisoroszi. The flood is threatening historic Budapest baths, Indian and Chinese Chess Olympiad participants may need to leave Margaret Island soon and a Hungarian settlement was flooded. Here are some photos of the historic Hungary flood.
A charming town on Szentendre Island is encircled by the Danube
According to Blikk, a Hungarian tabloid, the Danube cut off Kisoroszi, a small and charming Hungarian town on the Northern tip of Szentendre Island. Authorities say the settlement will remain enclosed for 6-8 days. Csaba Molnár, the town’s mayor, said they introduced extraordinary measures to protect people and local infrastructure. He said the water level might reach 890 cm, just like in 2013. He added they prepared the townsfolk for the next 6-8 days. Food supply will be undisturbed, and they have medical and firefighter services in Kisoroszi. In a worst-case scenario, patients can be transported to hospitals with motorboats.
Kisoroszi prepared for the flood, based on the local government:
Meanwhile, Indian and Chinese participants of the Chess Olympiad may need to leave their Margaret Island hotels due to the rising water level in Budapest. According to Blikk, the two teams and the Hungarian women’s team may have to leave the Hotel Thermal and the Grand Hotel on the island. Authorities are prepared for the evacuation if necessary.
Kisoroszi. Source: MTI
Kisoroszi. Source: MTI
Szentendre. Source: MTI
Fast-food restaurant closed due to the flood
In Vác, a McDonald’s unit had to close due to the flood. The place is already protected with sandbags, but it will not operate for an uncertain period. River Danube regularly floods the local Diadal Square and Budapesti Street in case of high water levels.
According to portfolio.hu, the Danube conquered the small settlement of Vének, close to Győr. The number of locals is around 200, who could leave it in time.
Here is a video:
Free calls, internet and motorway use
To help protection efforts, Magyar Telekom announced that they would provide 100 minutes or 15 GB of mobile internet for free to their users between 18 and 30 September. You may activate them by sending +SOS100PERC or +SOS15GB to 1414, and you may use the pack in the EU, including Hungary. Yettel is giving unlimited internet for its customers for five days if you send ARVIZ to 1744. You may activate it until 24 September, but the use is limited to Hungary.
Nagymaros. Source: MTI
Visegrád. Source: MTI
Béla Juhász, the mayor of Sződliget, a town north of Budapest, announced that drivers can use motorway M2 freely because of the closure of main road nr 2.
Danube flood threatens several historic Budapest baths
The flood approaching Budapest along the Danube will affect several baths and spas, necessitating protection measures, Budapest Gyógyfürdői es Hévizei (BGYH), the company that operates the baths, said on Wednesday.
With Margaret Island threatened with inundation, the popular Palatinus bath on the island is now closed to the public, the company said. Staff there have begun implementing protection measures, including 24-hour monitoring of the 10-hectare site and measures to protect the 100-year-old wave pool, MTI wrote.
High water levels are also endangering the Gellárt, Rudas, Rác, Király and Lukács thermal baths, as well as the Pünkösdfürdő pool, BGYH said. Water pumps, mobile power generators and sandbags have been provided to help protect each site, it said.
Leitha reservoir opened with benefits clear to see
The authorities opened the River Leitha reservoir system at dawn, and its effect on the flood peak in the river section above Mosonmagyaróvár, near the Austrian border, is clear to see, the National Water Directorate (OVF) said on Wednesday.
Water has been released in a controlled manner, safely and with the right timing to the designated areas, according to the OVF statement. While the Danube flood wave is currently peaking in the area of Devin (Dévény) in Slovakia, the water level is expected to rise at the Danube bend for two more days, and construction of temporary defences is still underway there.
The river swelled to the lower banks in Budapest at 10 PM on Tuesday, and the peak here is expected at the end of the week. The directorate and its partner organisations, as well as volunteers, are continually building temporary protection systems along embankments and levees to prevent flooding in populated areas, the statement said, adding that dams were under huge pressure, with prolonged peaks expected in the days ahead. For this reason, the public is asked not to go to the dams to look at or take photos, the statement said.
MVM takes flood defence steps
MVM Group has started safety measures, in coordination with national and local authorities, at its gas and electricity networks affected by flooding, the state-owned energy company said on Wednesday. Gas and electricity could be shut off in some settlements along the Danube, MVM said. MVM will keep its customers informed of changes on their website HERE.
UPDATE: Government weighs impact of flooding on SMEs
The government could provide support to small businesses hit by flooding, Richárd Szabados, the National Economy Ministry’s state secretary for SMEs, said on Wednesday.
Flood defence is the immediate priority, but the impact of the flooding on SMEs is being gauged, Szabados said, consulting on flood defence efforts in Esztergom, in the north of the country.
He said business organisations had been urged at a meeting of the Business Development Council on Tuesday to conduct a rapid assessment of damages caused by the flooding to SMEs, including closures, inventory delivery stoppages and staff shortages. On the basis of feedback, the National Economy Ministry could recommend support for those SMEs to the government, if necessary, he added.
Read also:
Extreme flood reached Hungary: Danube bridge, border crossing closed, ferry service halted, train service changed – read more HERE
End of danger? Train service between Budapest and Vienna restarted – details in THISarticle
Featured image: Vének near Győr underwater. Source: MTI
Train services between the Hungarian and Austrian capitals restarted this morning. However, even the Austrian railway company, ÖBB, does not recommend choosing the railway because of the uncertainties caused by the historic flood hitting Hungary and Austria.
Budapest-Vienna train services resumed
According to turizmus.com, the train connection between Budapest and Vienna has been reestablished. The first trains departed Budapest this morning. However, passengers cannot yet continue their journey to Linz from the Austrian capital.
Because of the turns, some trains will only commute to Hegyeshalom until the afternoon. You may continue your journey from the Hungarian border town with EuRegio trains or the next distance train.
Trains depart to Vienna from Budapest-Keleti Railway Station. Photo: FB/MÁV
The first train carrying passengers from Budapest to Vienna was the 7:40 AM Railjet Express. However, people travelling with the 6:40 AM train can also reach Vienna provided they change trains in Hegyeshalom.
Based on current information, destinations beyond Vienna, e.g. Salzburg, are not yet available due to the flood. In Austria, you should still expect cancellations and considerable delays, so even the Austrian railway service provider ÖBBdoes not recommend travelling by train these days.
A railway line in Austria now. Photo: FB/ÖBB
The company halted train service between Vienna and Hegyeshalom due to the heavy rains on Sunday evening.
In Hungary, the weather is fine, but the flood is already in the Western regions and approaching Budapest, where the lower Danube embankments are already under water.
Based on the experts’ estimates, the peaking of the Danube will be 40 centimetres below the 2013 record in Budapest. Gabriella Siklós, a spokesperson of the General Directorate of Water Management, toldKossuth Rádió that the peaking will be at 850 centimetres in the Hungarian capital. She added that the flood lacks water support because of the dry weather. However, the melting snow in Austria may slow the pace of water level decrease. People wanting to help protection efforts should write to local governments organising the work.
Photo: FB/MÁV
She said that, in Budapest, the water level reached 683 centimetres this morning. In the Szigetköz region of Northwestern Hungary, the peaking of the Danube will be on Thursday. In Budapest, the peaking will be on Saturday. In 2013, the peak level was 891 centimetres. Now, the Danube will probably stop at 850 cm.
Click HEREto read the latest news about the flood in Hungary.
Read also:
Floods disrupt Hungarian transport: All the latest bus and train timetable changes you need to know in THISarticle
The hardest phase of flood protection underway, says Orbán
Despite the ongoing flood situation, train services on the MÁV and Volánbusz networks remain operational, with one key exception: the Esztergom–Komárom line. Due to the flooding, buses are currently replacing trains on this section until the waters recede and necessary repairs are completed, according to the official announcement.
Bus routes affected
Bus routes have been more significantly affected by the flooding, particularly due to the closure of the stretch of Route 11 between Tát and Esztergom. Many bus services are being rerouted, and passengers should expect additional disruptions across the region. Further changes will be implemented from Wednesday. The company is providing continuous updates on these adjustments through its information channels, Pénzcentrum writes.
The tunnel between Margaret Bridge (Margitsziget) and Batthyány Square on the H5 suburban railway line will also close from Wednesday due to the rising Danube. Passengers are advised not to rely on their usual routes and to check the latest updates from MÁVINFORM, Volánbusz, and MÁV-HÉV before travelling.
MÁV committed to maintaining public transport services
The MÁV-Volán group has outlined three main priorities during the flood response: maintaining public transportation services, protecting transport infrastructure from the floodwaters, and keeping passengers informed about both domestic and international travel conditions as well as expected changes.
At present, the Esztergom–Komárom railway is the only line directly impacted by the flood defence efforts, as part of the track serves as a flood barrier. Starting Monday, buses have replaced S74 trains on this line. These replacement buses will run until the water recedes and, if any damage occurs to the tracks, until repairs are completed. Due to road configurations, the buses may stop at alternative Volánbusz stops instead of railway stations. Additionally, the closure of Route 10 between Neszmély and Süttő from Wednesday will prompt further changes, with buses only running between Süttő and Esztergom.
To protect the railway infrastructure on the Esztergom–Komárom line, flood defence efforts include raising the railway embankment at Tát by placing stones on the tracks to match the height of the flood levee. Three railway bridges have also been weighed down with stone-filled wagons to prevent the rising floodwaters from lifting them. Since Monday, the railway between Lábatlan and Nyergesújfalu has been reinforced with foil and around 1,600 sandbags over a 1.5 km stretch to prevent erosion. Hundreds of MÁV employees are actively involved in the ongoing flood defence operations.
Győr’s Rába bridge, HÉV tunnel
The temporary surface terminus of the Szentendre (H5) HÉV near the Buda end of the Margaret Bridge on 18 September 2024. The tunnel section of the H5 HÉV is closed due to flooding. Photo: MTI/Máthé Zoltán
In the coming days, additional technical interventions will be required to protect the railway infrastructure at other locations. Preparations are underway to weigh down the Rába railway bridge in Győr with stone-filled wagons, preventing the floodwaters from displacing it. According to current information, even if this is necessary, train traffic between Győr and Öttevény will still be able to continue on one track. If the water levels rise higher than expected, MÁVINFORM will issue updates on further railway restrictions on Wednesday.
As part of the flood defence efforts, starting Wednesday afternoon, the tunnel of the H5 suburban railway between Margit Bridge and Batthyány Square will be closed and reinforced with sandbags to prevent it from floating due to the floodwaters. As a result, from 18 September, the H5 line will only operate to Margaret Bridge (Buda side). It will no longer serve Batthyány Square or the underground station at Margaret Bridge. Passengers heading toward Békásmegyer or Szentendre will need to board the trains at the surface platform near the HÉV tunnel exit, located next to the 960 bus stop heading toward Békásmegyer. The HÉV will also run less frequently due to these changes.
Changes in Győr-Moson-Sopron and Komárom-Esztergom counties
Drone image of the flooded Moson-Danube in Győr on 17 September 2024. Photo: MTI/Krizsán Csaba
The flooding of the country’s rivers has led to several changes in the timetables and routes of Volánbusz services, with more changes expected. The flood-related road closures and traffic restrictions have forced some buses to operate on detoured or shortened routes. In the coming days, traffic restrictions will affect settlements along the Danube in Győr-Moson-Sopron and Komárom-Esztergom counties, as well as the Danube Bend region.
Currently, bus routes along the Móricz Zsigmond embankment in Győr are being diverted, and the closure of Route 11 between Tát and Esztergom has resulted in further detours. Neither the Pócsmegyer nor Szigetmonostor ferries are in operation, with buses now providing alternative connections. From Wednesday morning, additional closures are in place in the Danube Bend, particularly between Süttő and Neszmély, and bus services will be suspended in Dömös and Pilismarót. From early Wednesday, buses 803 and 804 operate in split sections: Neszmély–Tata–Tatabánya, Neszmély–Komárom, and Süttő–Esztergom.
Read the latest news about floods in Hungary HERE.
Traveling, whether for business or leisure, often means venturing into unfamiliar places, navigating crowded areas, and being more vulnerable to theft or loss. That’s why choosing the right wallet for your trip is an important decision that combines convenience, security, and practicality. With a variety of wallet types on the market, it’s essential to understand which features are best suited for keeping your essentials safe and accessible when you’re on the go. Here’s a guide to help you choose the ideal wallet for traveling.
RFID-Blocking Wallets: Security Against Digital Theft
When traveling, you’re more likely to be in crowded spaces such as airports, tourist attractions, and public transport, where pickpockets and digital thieves are on the lookout for easy targets. Modern wallets equipped with RFID-blocking technology are designed to protect your credit cards, passports, and other RFID-enabled items from unauthorized scanning or skimming.
RFID-blocking wallets are lined with materials that block radio frequency signals, making it impossible for hackers to steal sensitive information stored on your credit cards and passport chips. For ultimate security, you should invest in a best-in-the-industry RFID-blocking wallet, which combines this protection with other travel-friendly features. These wallets are perfect for long-term trips, where security and peace of mind are paramount.
Travel Wallets with Zippers: Extra Security
One of the biggest concerns when traveling is the possibility of losing important items like your credit cards, cash, or ID. A travel wallet with a zipper provides an extra layer of protection by ensuring that your belongings don’t accidentally fall out. This style is particularly useful if you’re moving through busy airports, crowded markets, or hopping in and out of taxis.
Zippered wallets typically come with multiple compartments to help you organize your cash, cards, and travel documents. This is an ideal feature for travelers who want to keep all their essentials in one place, secure from pickpockets or accidental spills.
Passport Wallets: All-in-One Solution
A passport wallet is specifically designed to keep your travel documents safe and easily accessible. These wallets typically come with compartments for your passport, boarding passes, travel itinerary, and multiple card slots for your credit cards or ID. Some passport wallets even include space for cash, coins, and a pen, making them a convenient all-in-one option for international travelers.
Look for passport wallets with RFID-blocking technology and zippered closures for added security. Many of these designs are slim and lightweight, making them easy to carry or slip into your bag, while others come with detachable wrist straps or neck cords to keep your hands free.
Money Belts: Hidden Security
For travelers who prioritize safety and don’t want to carry a visible wallet, a money belt is an excellent alternative. Worn around your waist and hidden under your clothes, a money belt is designed to hold cash, cards, and important documents close to your body, reducing the risk of pickpocketing.
Money belts often come with multiple pockets and compartments for easy organization and quick access when needed. While not the most stylish option, their discreet nature makes them highly secure, especially in crowded tourist areas or when navigating unfamiliar cities.
Travel wallet, source:
Minimalist Wallets: Lightweight and Practical
If you prefer traveling light and only carry the essentials, a minimalist wallet might be the best option. These wallets are slim, often containing just a few card slots and a small compartment for cash. The lightweight design makes minimalist wallets ideal for travelers who don’t want to carry bulky items or worry about losing extra belongings.
Many minimalist wallets also come with RFID-blocking technology, offering security without the added bulk. This style is perfect for those who want to fit their wallet into a front pocket or a smaller crossbody bag, minimizing the chance of theft or misplacement.
Water-Resistant Wallets: Protection Against the Elements
Traveling often involves exposure to different climates, and sometimes your wallet might come into contact with rain, snow, or humidity. Water-resistant wallets, often made from materials like nylon, polyester, or even waterproof leather, are designed to protect your cash, cards, and documents from getting damaged by moisture.
These wallets are especially useful for adventure travelers or those heading to beach destinations, as they provide peace of mind when exploring in wet or unpredictable weather. For added security, choose a wallet with a zippered closure to prevent water from seeping inside.
Crossbody Wallets: Hands-Free Convenience
Crossbody wallets or small crossbody bags are a popular option for travelers who want to keep their hands free while still having their essentials close. These wallets come with a strap that you wear across your body, keeping your belongings secure and easily accessible.
The crossbody design also makes it harder for pickpockets to steal your wallet, as the strap is worn across the chest, making it more difficult to snatch. Look for crossbody wallets that offer RFID-blocking protection and multiple compartments to keep your passport, cash, and cards organized.
Anti-Theft Wallets: Built-In Security Features
Anti-theft wallets are specifically designed to offer maximum security for travelers. These wallets come with built-in features such as RFID-blocking technology, slash-proof materials, and locking zippers to prevent theft. Some even have chain or strap attachments that secure the wallet to your belt loop or bag, making it nearly impossible for someone to snatch it away.
Anti-theft wallets are a smart investment for anyone traveling to high-risk areas or places where pickpocketing is common. Many brands that are considered best in the industry offer these advanced anti-theft wallets, ensuring both your belongings and personal information are protected during your trip.
Choosing the right wallet for traveling depends on a combination of security, convenience, and personal style. Whether you need the ultimate protection of an RFID-blocking wallet, the hidden security of a money belt, or the hands-free convenience of a crossbody wallet, there are plenty of options to suit every type of traveller. Remember to consider the nature of your trip, the destinations you’re visiting, and how much you plan to carry when selecting your travel wallet. To ensure you’re getting top-notch protection and style, explore best-in-the-industry wallet options to find the one that fits your travel needs perfectly.
Disclaimer: the author(s) of the sponsored article(s) are solely responsible for any opinions expressed or offers made. These opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of Daily News Hungary, and the editorial staff cannot be held responsible for their veracity.
The ranking of the best countries in the world made by U.S. News & World Report was published recently. Here’s where they have placed our beloved Hungary on the list.
U.S. News & World Report’s list
As Mforwrites, the 2024 Best Countries in the World report by U.S. News & World Report ranked 89 nations, with Hungary placed 54th overall. Highlighting global perception rather than aesthetics, the rankings consider multiple factors. According to David Reibstein of the Wharton School, the list emphasises a country’s strong international image.
Cultural influence, for example, includes entertainment relevance, modernity, and brand presence. Hungary ranked 55th in this category. Countries were assessed across ten categories, including economic and social power, entrepreneurship, business openness, agility, social goals, quality of life, drive or motivation, cultural influence, heritage and adventure, with each scored out of 100 to determine the best countries in the world.
Hungary ranked 54th in the 2024 Best Countries in the World list, a slight drop from its 49th position in 2023. Despite this, Hungary performed better than some of its neighbours but trailed behind Austria (21st), Croatia (47th), and the Czech Republic (50th). Interestingly, India, despite having nearly 230 million people living in poverty, was ranked 33rd. The report provides detailed data for each country, such as population, GDP, and language spoken. For Hungary, it highlights the nation’s linguistic isolation and relative economic prosperity compared to other European countries.
The report also discusses Hungary’s strained international relations, citing its anti-immigration policies and the centralisation of political power as key issues. The political climate is noted as being in line with the growing populism and far-right movements across Europe. Additionally, critics, including the US, have pointed to corruption within Hungary’s government and alleged smear campaigns against civil society groups. Despite these challenges, Hungary remains notable for producing one of the highest number of Nobel laureates per capita, though many achieved success abroad due to limited funding at home.
Source: Wikimedia Commons / Adam Baker
The best countries
Denmark ranked tenth in the 2024 World Best Countries report, excelling in quality of life and social goals, including human rights and equality, while also being the top country for child-rearing. New Zealand secured ninth place, praised for meeting social objectives and providing a comfortable retirement. The United Kingdom came eighth, still highly regarded after Brexit, particularly in areas such as power and entrepreneurship. Germany ranked seventh, leading in entrepreneurship but falling behind in retirement conditions.
Sweden ranked sixth, dropped from third place last year but remains a global leader in environmental protection and quality of life. Australia was ranked fifth, standing out for retirement conditions, while Canada placed fourth, known for its quality of life and social goals. The United States rose to third, excelling in agility, power, and education, though it trailed in cultural influence. Japan took second place, leading in business and career development, while Switzerland maintained its top position, excelling in career opportunities, retirement conditions, and overall quality of life.
Budapest’s Liszt Ferenc International Airport is “in top form”, with a nearly 20 percent increase in passenger transport and 50 percent increase in cargo registered in the first eight months of this year compared with the same period of last year, Máté Lóga, a national economy ministry official and head of the Budapest Airport board of directors said on Sunday.
The ministry cited Lóga as saying that during the first eight months of 2024, passenger transport increased by 18.6 percent and freight transport by 49.7 percent, paving the way for a record-breaking year.
The figures show that Hungary and Budapest are increasingly attractive tourist destinations, and more Hungarians are travelling abroad than before, he added. The airport registered 11.4 million passengers in January-August this year and over 184,000 tonnes of freight.
The most popular destinations in the first eight months were London, Istanbul, Milan, Paris and Brussels, he said. The state acquired 80 percent of Budapest Airport in June 2024, with the remaining 20 percent owned by French co-investor VINCI.
The Hungarian railway company, MÁV, has issued a warning to passengers, urging them not to rely on their usual train travel routines and to stay updated on official announcements. The ongoing floods could significantly impact public transportation services.
MÁV warns passengers of changing timetables
The MÁV-VOLÁN group is preparing for emergency measures in response to the flooding, providing continuous updates to the public, Világgazdaság reports. The transport provider advises travellers in flood- and storm-affected areas to closely follow updates through the MÁV website, MÁVINFORM’s Facebook page, the MÁV mobile app, and the Volánbusz website.
The extreme rainfall in Hungary’s river basins poses challenges not only for water management authorities but also for transport services. While rising rivers are the main concern, the intense rainfall, strong winds, and sudden storms are also causing issues such as fallen trees and damaged power lines, potentially leading to disruptions. MÁV personnel are in constant communication with authorities involved in flood management. In case of interruptions to the domestic railway network, replacement buses will be deployed in affected areas as needed.
Train services disrupted in numerous countries
Rail services are already facing disruptions in several countries west of Hungary, with operations halting in certain regions. Although trains are still running between Budapest and Vienna, services west of Vienna are suspended at least until Monday noon.
Should there be any cancellations of international trains between Budapest and Vienna, MÁV-START will arrange alternative domestic trains to cover the route.
On Sunday evening, the Kálmán Imre EuroNight train, which travels from Budapest through Austria to Germany and Switzerland, will operate only within Hungary, between Keleti Station and Hegyeshalom, due to the flood situation.
Starting Sunday afternoon, replacement buses have already been in service along the Komárom–Esztergom line due to the flooding of the Danube, replacing S74 trains. Forecasts suggest that ferries to and from Szentendre Island will be suspended by Tuesday, and Szigetmonostor will be accessible only by bus. In Győr, local buses are already being rerouted due to the closure of the riverside road.
UPDATE: Trains do not commute between Budapest and Vienna
According to information from the Austrian Railways (ÖBB) on Sunday afternoon, ÖBB stopped the train service between Hegyeshalom and Vienna from Sunday at 6 PM until Monday at midnight, and no replacement trains will be available, MÁV said on its website.
MÁV said that all Railjet, Vienna EuroCity, Kálmán Imre EuroNight and EuRegio trains will only run to and from Hegyeshalom. “International passengers, please postpone your journey and do not depart!” – they wrote.
For more information on the measures affecting travel, please visit the ÖBB website or the MÁVINFORM interface. MÁV-Volán has previously announced that flooding and weather disruptions should be expected.
They said that passengers travelling to Austria who had bought their tickets by 12 September for the period 13-15 September would be able to use them between 12 and 18 September. For those planning to travel later, their existing tickets will be refunded or exchanged at no handling charge, Telex reported.
A significant portion of Wizz Air’s grounded Airbus A321neo fleet, affected by Pratt & Whitney engine issues, is being stored at the former military airport of Bydgoszcz Ignacy Jan Paderewski in Poland. The grounded A321neo/A320neo planes can be seen in a video from the AviSpace channel, which captured a flight between Warsaw and Bydgoszcz.
Lots of Wizz Air aircraft grounded in Poland
PrtSc: YouTube/AviSpace (Full Flight | LOT Polish Airlines | Embraer 175 | Warsaw-Bydgoszcz | [4K60])As the plane taxis towards the terminal, over 20 Wizz Air aircraft, mostly without engines and in long-term storage, are visible across the former military base, AIRportal.hu reports.
According to Wizz Air’s latest update from the end of June, the airline had to ground 46 Airbus A320neo and A321neo aircraft due to contamination of key parts in the new generation Pratt & Whitney PW1100G-JM GTF engines.
As AIRportal.hu reported back in August, nearly 500 A320neo planes are grounded globally. It’s expected that an average of 350 aircraft will undergo engine inspections and maintenance simultaneously through 2026.
With a limited number of replacement engines available, some planes could remain out of service for up to a year.
Each affected aircraft is likely to remain grounded for around 300 days while the engines are refurbished with new parts.
The long repair time is due to the complex nature of the process: engines must be removed, transported to manufacturer-approved service centers with limited capacity, and almost entirely disassembled to replace the affected components.
The luxurious Kimpton BEM Budapest recently celebrated its grand opening with a series of exceptional events, including speeches, a ribbon-cutting ceremony, live musical performances, and an unforgettable party.
Kimpton BEM Budapest
As we have reported HERE, a highly anticipated luxury hotel, Kimpton BEM Budapest, has opened in Budapest’s 2nd district, occupying the former site of the Radetzky Barracks. The five-star hotel, which is part of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle branch, features 127 rooms, including presidential suites with private rooftop gardens. The striking interior, designed by renowned Dutch architect Marcel Wanders, combine bold shapes with traditional Hungarian motifs, such as tulips and the Wonder Stag. This project marked Wanders’ final creation before the closure of his architectural firm. The hotel blends classical and modern elements, offering guests an elegant stay near some of Budapest’s most renowned attractions.
Photo: FB/BEM Kimpton Hotel
Grand Opening
Kimpton BEM Budapest shared some delightful moments from its fabulous grand opening. The first day of celebrations included speeches, a formal ribbon-cutting, live music, champagne, and delectable refreshments provided by AGOS. The highlight of the second day was an unforgettable party, with entertainment by Parisian DJ Dimitri. Adding to the evening’s sophistication, there was a strict white dress code, representing the elegance of Kimpton BEM Budapest, which provided a playful contrast to the hotel’s vibrant and bold interior, designed by Marcel Wanders. Below, you can view a selection of photos from the grand opening:
Photo: Facebook / Kimpton BEM BudapestPhoto: Facebook / Kimpton BEM BudapestPhoto: Facebook / Kimpton BEM Budapest
Vibrant, yet tasteful
As described on the Kimpton BEM Budapest website, the hotel, located on the Buda bank of the Danube, brings a fresh and stylish atmosphere to one of Budapest’s most welcoming neighbourhoods. Just steps away from the historic Castle District, the hotel offers guests a journey through Budapest’s regal past, with nearby attractions including the city’s famous Turkish baths. Housed in a meticulously restored 19th-century Grade II listed mansion, the hotel’s distinctive interiors, crafted by Marcel Wanders, blend local charm and history with a contemporary twist. Each room offers unique views of the city’s evolving skyline, creating a luxurious retreat that links Budapest’s rich heritage with its vibrant present.
What does the hotel offer?
Kimpton BEM Budapest provides a luxurious haven, featuring Mediterranean cuisine fused with Hungarian flavours, along with an extensive selection of drinks at its AGOS restaurant, Bar Huso, and Fennen. Catering to both travellers and locals, the hotel’s modern rooms, inspired by Budapest’s rich history, ensure ultimate comfort with plush bedding, luxury bathroom amenities, and walk-in showers. Guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the Danube from private balconies or relax in suites featuring freestanding baths. The 120-square-metre Cosmos Observatory Suite offers an elevated experience, with two bedrooms, two bathrooms, a living room, dining area, kitchenette, and an 82-square-metre private outdoor space – perfect for intimate gatherings or stargazing.
Photo: FB/BEM Kimpton HotelPhoto: FB/BEM Kimpton HotelPhoto: FB/BEM Kimpton Hotel
Organizing a company trip can be quite challenging for entrepreneurs worldwide, but it is even more difficult when it is the first time doing this. In this process, you need to plan everything in detail and be careful with your choices, as they can impact anyone’s experience that attends what you have planned. In an enterprise, business events, like conferences or team-building, are always welcomed, as they can lead to better productivity and foster a team spirit that might help your business grow.
But to benefit from all these advantages and have a successful event, you first need to plan this trip and consider many factors. For example, you need to set a budget, pick a destination, create the schedule, choose the means of transportation and manage logistics. And because all these tasks can take some time, and you surely have other essential things in your company to take care of, we have decided to help you and offer good information to consider. Keep reading to find out more.
Source: Freepik
Figure out what is the purpose of this event
Before starting all the planning that comes with a company trip, you should first establish the purpose of this event. If you skip this step, you won’t really have a good idea of what to organize, which can also make this event unsuccessful. Instead, think about why you want to organize such an event. Is it because you want to meet with some clients, attend a conference, go to a team building, or reward your employees with a surprise trip?
After this, you must establish how long this trip will take, how many employees you want to invite, and set a budget. These details help you better determine the other logistics of the trip, like activities, what transportation you wish to pick, and accommodation. In the case of transportation, there are a lot of details you need to plan during this step. For example, suppose you choose to arrive there by plane. In that case, you should determine whether you and your employees will fly economy or business class and how you will arrive at the accommodation after landing. There are some tips that can help you pay less for a business class flight. This can happen when you want to fly at less popular times, or when you upgrade at the last minute. In this way, you ensure you have a more pleasant flight experience and you can get it cheaper.
You should also set some objectives you want to have from this trip, which can help you plan the trip. However, don’t forget to consider the needs of employees as well, as when you are organizing a trip for more people, you must also consider what they would like to have there. This way, you can be one step closer to having an enjoyable and productive event.
Pick the destination of your trip
The next step in planning your trip is to choose the destination where you want to organize your company trip. Start this process by researching potential locations and considering factors like how much the travel will cost, what accommodation you find there, and if there are ventures where you can organize your activities. It is also great to consider the local norms, customs, and weather.
Then, you should also take into account your employees’ preferences and make sure that the place fits their preferences and interests.
Set the budget
Budget is also very important when organizing a company trip, so you need to pay a lot of attention to this. You need to calculate costs and consider where you will go, how much you will stay there, what activities you want to attend, and how many employees will accompany you. Also, look at the prices for other details, such as accommodations, transportation, activities, and meals.
Now, you can finally set your budget, which needs to align with your enterprise’s objectives. If you make changes, update the budget so you have a clear view of how much you will spend.
Create the itinerary
After choosing the date of your company trip, it is time to create the itinerary you will follow once you arrive there. Here, you need to place all the activities you and your employees must attend, along with other meetings, visiting trips or free time. In this way, you will help your staff know best how to organize their journey and use their free time to see the new place where they are going. It is very important to create a detailed itinerary to ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible.
Arrange the other important details
When planning a company trip, you also need to consider plenty of other things, including transportation. Transportation is imperative so you get to this event on time and attend all the other vital activities from the itinerary.
To find the best transportation for you, you must pay attention to your alternatives, whether you choose rental car companies, travel agents, or a combination of the two. Other things to keep in mind when selecting transportation are your budget, the distance to the place, and how many employees travel with you.
You should also prepare for emergencies and have a risk management plan in case you need to deal with medical emergencies or something unforeseen.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are a lot of things you need to take into account when you are preparing a company trip. And even though it might be hard to go through all these preparations, a trip of this kind can bring you many benefits, as it can improve productivity and boost employee satisfaction. These events will help you and your employees take a break from the routine and come back with more energy than ever before. These company trips also encourage open communication, creativity, and better motivation. This way, you can create a positive workplace culture that supports employees’ well-being.
We hope this article’s advice will help you organize a company trip.
Disclaimer: the author(s) of the sponsored article(s) are solely responsible for any opinions expressed or offers made. These opinions do not necessarily reflect the official position of Daily News Hungary, and the editorial staff cannot be held responsible for their veracity.
The National Toll Payment Services Plc (NÚSZ) shared the official motorway vignette prices for 2025 in an announcement. According to the rule, the price increase rate follows January-August inflation.
Tolls in the e-vignette system are regulated in Decree 45/2020. (XI. 28.) of the Minister for Innovation and Technology on motorways, speedways and main roads subject to toll payment, NÚSZ said.
Comparingthe 2025 prices with the 2024 ones, we can state that the rise Will be 3.4%. Concerning the 10-day D1 vignette, we Will have to pay HUF 6,620 (EUR 16.7) instead of HUF 6,400. The annual price will grow from HUF 57,260 to HUF 59,210. The annual regional vignette for motorways in Hungary will cost HUF 6,890 (EUR 17.4) instead of HUF 6,600.
M7 motorway from Lake Balaton to Budapest. Travelling on highways will be more expensive. Source: Wikimedia Commons
The surcharge increase rate will be the same. From 1 January, 2025, you will have to pay HUF 26,640 (EUR 67.3) (if paid within 60 days) and HUF 91,780 (EUR 231.8).
Read also:
A loophole to avoid motorway vignette fines: tens of thousands benefited last year – read more HERE
Travelling to the UK will become more difficult, as ETA will be extended to European countries, including Hungary. From 2025, everyone will need permission to travel to the UK, except British and Irish citizens and EU citizens with a settled status in the UK.
UK extends ETA to EU countries
Turizmus online writes that the UK Home Office has announced that from 5 March 2025, non-visa travellers from Europe, including EU countries, will require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to enter the UK, with the new rule fully enforced from 2 April. The ETA, costing GBP 10 (HUF 4,687), will be valid for two years or until the passport expires, allowing unlimited visits of up to six months each. Digitally linked to travellers’ passports, the ETA aims to enhance security screening.
Initially trialled with Qatar, the system has since expanded to include citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries and Jordan. Now, the system will be further expanded to all EU countries, including Hungary, making travelling to the UK one step harder. The Home Office writes:
Everyone wishing to travel to the UK – except British and Irish citizens – will need permission to travel in advance of coming here. This can be either through an ETA or an eVisa.
Photo: depositphotos.com
Travelling to the UK to become more difficult
The UK Home Office has confirmed that from January 2025, the Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system will be extended to non-European countries whose citizens do not require visas, followed by European nations from April 2025. This move will mandate ETA for all visa-exempt travellers. Following Brexit, the UK left the EU single market and customs union, prioritising control over immigration. The current Labour government, continuing the plans of its Conservative predecessor, is implementing ETA for tourism purposes. However, EU citizens with settled status in the UK are exempt from this requirement. The Home Office explains:
Today we are confirming that from 27 November 2024, eligible non-Europeans can apply for an ETA and will need an ETA to travel from 8 January 2025. ETAs will then extend to eligible Europeans from 5 March 2025, who will need an ETA to travel from 2 April 2025.
An unusual sight greeted locals on Wednesday morning following heavy rain. The surface of the M35 motorway was covered in a frothy, white foam. Was this caused by hazardous chemicals, or is it a natural phenomenon?
Odd occurrence on the M35 motorway
Local media HAON reports that on Wednesday morning, frothy white liquid was seen flowing over the M35 motorway near Debrecen, covering the road surface, according to reports from nearby villages. Various theories have emerged regarding the cause of the unusual phenomenon. The Hungarian Concession Infrastructure Development Plc clarified that the liquid resulted from freshly paved asphalt, as certain elements of the mixture take time to fully absorb. They explained:
After new asphalt is laid, some elements of the asphalt mix may take time to be fully absorbed. During heavy rainfall, it is not unusual for these materials to mix with the rainwater, becoming thick enough to start foaming when churned up by the wheels of passing vehicles. The additives we use comply with all current regulations and are used in accordance with the relevant specifications.
However, some locals believe that the foaming is a natural occurrence caused by the accumulation of dead unicellular organisms, algae, and seaweed.
Hungary’s wealthiest man, Lőrinc Mészáros, has purchased a new private jet expanding his fleet. Sources suggest he has already travelled to France and Mallorca using his latest acquisition.
Mészáros buys new private jet
Forbes pointed out that a recent report from Átlátszó revealed that a Bombardier Challenger 3500 private jet with Austrian registration OE-HOZ, linked to Hungarian billionaire Lőrinc Mészáros, arrived in Budapest from Vienna in July. The jet, operated by the same Austrian company that manages another plane used by the Mészáros circle, landed in Hungary around the same time as a helicopter used by the businessman’s family, suggesting coordination between the two aircraft. The helicopter likely transported the pilot of the private jet from Vienna to Hungary.
This jet, part of the businessman’s ever-expanding fleet, seems to mark an upgrade following last year’s controversy surrounding his luxury yacht. After landing in Hungary, the private jet flew to the South of France and then to Palma de Mallorca, where his luxury yacht, the Rose d’Or, was also anchored, according to maritime tracking data. This further reinforces the connection between the mysterious jet and the business circle of Hungary’s richest man. According to Átlátszó, the private jet cost around HUF 9.6 billion (around EUR 24 million).
